The Saucony Ride 17 running shoe marks a significant update to Saucony’s flagship neutral road trainer. Known for its versatility and reliability, the Ride series has always balanced cushion, comfort, and responsiveness. With version 17, Saucony upgrades the midsole to PWRRUN+ — a move that dramatically changes the feel underfoot, resulting in softer landings and a smoother ride over varied distances.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | ~275g (Men’s UK 9), ~235g (Women’s UK 6.5) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Midsole | PWRRUN+ foam |
| Upper | Engineered mesh with 3D print overlays |
| Outsole | Durable blown rubber with flex grooves |
| Fit | True to size; medium width with roomy toe box |
| Price (RRP) | £135 (often discounted to £110–£120) |
Midsole and Ride Feel
The major shift in the Ride 17 is the move from standard PWRRUN to PWRRUN+, a more premium TPU-based cushioning foam.
- Softer underfoot feel: noticeable cushion during heel landings and midfoot strikes
- Smoother transitions: improved flexibility in toe-off without losing energy
- Moderate responsiveness: not as snappy as racing foams, but pleasantly lively for daily mileage
The geometry remains fairly traditional — moderate stack height, stable platform — but the foam upgrade adds a touch of luxury. Runners who found earlier Ride versions firm or flat will appreciate the new bounce.
Upper Design and Fit
The engineered mesh upper offers breathable, structured comfort:
- Zonal reinforcements hold the midfoot securely without rigid overlays
- Gusseted tongue prevents slippage and helps create a lockdown feel
- Heel collar padding is soft, shaped to cradle the Achilles
- Toe box is slightly wider than previous versions, offering welcome room for splay
Fit is true to size, with a neutral profile that suits most foot shapes. Wide versions are available for runners with broader forefeet. Over 20km runs, testers noted consistent comfort and secure fit with no hot spots or heel lift.
Outsole and Traction
Saucony keeps things simple but effective with a blown rubber outsole:
- Full ground contact under the forefoot creates stable landings
- Flex grooves encourage natural roll through the gait cycle
- Rubber compound grips well on dry and damp pavement; modest on wet cobbles
Durability after 200km was excellent — minimal wear in high-impact zones like the heel and lateral forefoot. The outsole complements the cushioned ride by maintaining control without adding stiffness.
Stability and Support
Though classed as a neutral trainer, the Ride 17 offers good passive stability:
- Midsole sidewalls are raised slightly to guide foot placement
- Platform width creates balance, even on uneven terrain
- Heel counter is firm enough for mild pronation control without aggressive posting
For runners with mild instability or those alternating between neutral and stability shoes, the Ride 17 feels reliably planted without intruding on form.
Testing Scenarios
We tested the Saucony Ride 17 across:
Recovery Runs (4–8km)
Soft landings and relaxed transitions make it ideal for sore legs.
Long Runs (12–20km)
Consistent cushion and breathability helped stave off fatigue. Foam didn’t flatten or lose energy.
Light Tempos
The shoe can pick up pace, but it prefers steady cruising rather than speed intervals.
Urban Terrain
Handled kerbs, footpaths, and mild gravel well. Excellent underfoot protection with pleasant ground feel.
Durability and Long-Term Impressions
After 200km of use:
- Midsole retained bounce — no early signs of compression
- Upper mesh showed no tearing or stretching
- Outsole held up well — rubber retained grip and shape
- Stitching and eyelets remained firm
Given the materials and platform, runners can expect 500–700km of useful life depending on gait and terrain.
Comparisons: Ride 17 vs Competitors
| Shoe | Cushion Type | Weight | Ride Feel | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saucony Ride 17 | PWRRUN+ | ~275g | Soft + balanced | £135 |
| Brooks Ghost 15 | DNA Loft v2 | ~278g | Smooth + plush | £130 |
| Nike Pegasus 41 | ReactX + Air Zoom | ~283g | Neutral + energetic | £125 |
| ASICS Novablast 4 | FF Blast+ Eco | ~260g | Bouncy + lively | £140 |
The Ride 17 edges ahead in daily comfort and durability, though Novablast offers more pop, and Ghost more pillow-like softness.
Pros
- Plush, balanced cushioning with responsive foam
- Excellent fit with wider toe box and midfoot lockdown
- Durable outsole and midsole combo built for high mileage
- Breathable mesh upper suitable for warm conditions
- Wide version available for broader foot shapes
- Versatile for easy runs, long runs, and general training
Cons
- Heavier than some tempo-oriented trainers
- Lacks aggressive propulsion for speedwork
- Not built for trails or off-road use
- Styling is subtle — may not appeal to bold design fans
Final Verdict
The Saucony Ride 17 is a standout daily trainer for neutral runners who want comfort, consistency, and dependable performance. The shift to PWRRUN+ elevates the ride feel noticeably, making it a more luxurious cruiser with enough pep for all-purpose mileage.
It’s not your race day weapon, but for everyday runs — from recovery efforts to long sessions — it excels in comfort and delivers quiet confidence. A safe, effective option for beginners and experienced runners alike.
Rating: 9.2/10
Best For: Daily training, long runs, beginner mileage builds
Avoid If: You want tempo-ready bounce or trail versatility
